James Tolbert “Bert” Godwin

ROCKY MOUNT - James Tolbert “Bert” Godwin, age 57, passed away on August 13th, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was born in Rocky Mount, NC on January 6, 1959. Bert was preceded in death by his parents Braxton Tolbert “Chief” Godwin and Ila Bishop “Honey” Godwin, and his father-in-law, Walter Cain Bulliner. Bert graduated from Enfield Academy in 1978. He played on the football team and was active in many school activities from eighth grade to graduation. He went on to Atlantic Christian College, where he studied for a few years before becoming a loyal employee with an impeccable work ethic. Bert returned to his alma mater years later and finished his degree in business at Barton College, showing his children the importance of a college education. Having worked in sales throughout his life, Bert finished his career with Sanofi Pharmaceuticals representing Eastern North Carolina. The love for his career is evident through the many relationships he formed in the medical profession. Bert loved being outdoors. In his younger years, he was an avid deer hunter, using both gun and bow. He enjoyed fishing the waters of North Carolina and turkey hunting. He was a member of the Brinkleyville Hunting Club and Indian Creek Hunting Club. In his later years, Bert enjoyed having one of the best kept lawns in Rocky Mount and loved working around his house. Bert was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepard. He served as Junior Warden, was involved in the Mens Club and served as a chalice bearer and Lay Eucharistic Minister. The Godwins are proud Tar Heel fans with every football and basketball game either watched on TV or attended. His daughter, Bishop, will officially become a Tar Heel this month. Being a father to Bishop and Ann Parke was one of the biggest joys in his life. He was truly a hands on father, spending quality time with his girls and teaching them many life lessons. Bert leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 19 years, Lisa Bulliner Godwin, and his daughters Bishop Marie and Ann Parke Cain, both of the home. He is survived by his sister Ann Parke Hughes (Lennie), brother Brack Godwin (Bev), and brother Bishop Godwin, all of Elizabeth City, NC. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Shawn Bulliner (Ashleigh) of Florence, SC, brother-in-law Glenn Bulliner (Lisa) of Ellenton, FL, mother-in-law Susan Groder (Roland) of Rocky Mount, NC, aunt Frances Bishop Johnson of Winter Park, FL, aunt Ann Whitaker Bishop of Rocky Mount, NC, nephew Lennie Hughes (Shelby) of Elizabeth City, NC, niece Laurel Senick (Don) of Wilmington, NC, nephew Benjamin Hughes of Elizabeth City, NC, niece Miriam Godwin (Greg Robison) of Greenville, NC, niece Beverly Godwin of Greenville, NC, nephew Caden Bulliner of Florence, SC, great niece Morgan Ray of Elizabeth City, NC, great nephew Hayden Ray of Elizabeth City, NC, great nephew Max Pickett of Greenville, NC, great niece Caroline Hughes of Elizabeth City, NC, many cousins in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina and many friends around North Carolina. A Celebration of Berts Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at the Church of the Good Shepherd 231 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. An Inurnment service will immediately follow at the Church of the Good Shepherd columbarium. Following the Inurnment service, friends and guest are invited to a lunch reception in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Church of the Good Shepard Scholarship Fund 231 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 and Benjamin House, Inc. of Elizabeth City, P. O. 757, Elizabeth City, NC 27907. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Service Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 231 N. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-442-1134 --> | Tuesday 8/16 Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 231 N. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-442-1134 --> | Tuesday 8/16, 11:00 am Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 231 N. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-442-1134 --> | Tuesday 8/16, 12:00 pm - 12:15 pm